CHP beefs up DUI enforcement through New Year's Day

SANTA CRUZ -- The California Highway Patrol and other county law enforcement agencies plan to clamp down on impaired drivers through New Year's Day.

The CHP will keep its statewide maximum enforcement effort through Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

The effort includes police checkpoints for DUI -- such as the one on Scotts Valley Drive Friday night -- more CHP officers on highways and "saturation patrols" with more police patrols throughout Santa Cruz County.

CHP officer Sarah Jackson reminded drivers this week that drivers can be impaired not just from alcohol, but also from illicit drugs and prescription drugs.

The Santa Cruz area CHP has arrested more drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence this holiday season compared with last year.

Santa Cruz area CHP officers had 63 misdemeanor DUIs arrests and two felony DUI arrests from Dec. 1-27, Jackson said. For the same period last year, officers made 59 misdemeanor DUI arrests and one felony DUI arrest.

Recent officer training to spot drugged drivers was a factor in the arrests.

Ahead of New Year's Eve on Monday night, state authorities urged revelers to choose a designated driver before parties begin.

Twenty-five people died in the state during collisions around the New Year's holiday in 2011, according to the CHP.

Most of those who died in the CHP's jurisdiction were not wearing seat belts.

"Our ultimate goal is to help prevent avoidable tragedy by encouraging the public to make responsible choices such as designating a sober driver, buckling up and traveling at a safe speed for conditions," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Authorities asked drivers who spot impaired drivers to call 911. Emergency dispatchers will ask for a description of the vehicle, license plate number, location and direction of travel.

Police leaders said that calling a taxi for someone who's had too much to drink can save their life.

"Lots of folks will be out during this busy holiday season enjoying themselves and the holiday festivities," said Capitola Police Chief Rudy Escalante.